Gamblers in other states could place online bets with N.J. casinos under bill being considered by Sentate committee

KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty ImagesA man plays online poker in this file photo. A state Senate committee is discussing a bill that would allow bets to be accepted from other states and nations.

ATLANTIC CITY — An Internet gambling bill being considered by New Jersey lawmakers would let Atlantic City casinos take bets from gamblers in other states and even other countries, as long as federal and state authorities agree it's legal.

New Jersey has been racing to try to get Internet gambling up and running and stake an early claim to leadership in a potential multi-billion-dollar industry.

But even as the bill edges closer to approval, and supporters try to address legal concerns that led Gov. Chris Christie to veto it last year, its scope is growing.

The bill, being considered today by the Senate budget committee, would allow bets to be accepted from other states and nations if the state Division of Gaming Enforcement determines it doesn't violate federal laws.